A special interest supplement distributed with The Irish Independent

June 2008 swedenMay 2008 women’s health

Building a Swedish Home With the BER applying to all homes from January 2009, we take a look at Swedish homes and how Irish people can make their properties more energy efficient. Page 4 Swedish Innovation & Efficiency A look at how Swedish companies in the Irish market have made an impact through innovation and efficiency. Page 8 & 9

Stockholm, & Malmö A guide to the three leading destinations in . Which one is right for you? Pages 10, 12 & 14

Golfing in Skåne The most southern region in Sweden offers Irish golfers a large selection of top quality courses and is becoming a new hotspot for European golfers. Page 12 Sweden - a MediaPlanet supplement distributed with the Irish Independent 2 CONTENTS

• Energy efficient homes - from Swedish foundations 4 Dear Reader, • Industry, Productivity and Telecommunications - Swedish style 6 Ireland has experienced dramatic and positive developments over the last twenty years. The areas in which Ireland is developing, and making considerable investments in, are numerous. This development is some- • Sweden - At the Forefront of Innovation thing we have been glad to promote in Sweden, where Ireland the country may be a bit anonymous but and Efficiency 8 where the Irish brand is really strong. Sweden could certainly learn from this. Like Ireland, Sweden is a • Business and Pleasure in Malmö 10 small nation and at many times rather unknown to the Irish. But we do have several qualities that makes • Stepping out in Stockholm 12 Sweden a strong brand. We like to see ourselves as a progressive country characterised by innovation, open- • Swinging your way to Skåne 12 ness, caring and authenticity. • Gothenburg - The City of 1,000 Islands 14 What we would like to achieve by this supplement on Sweden is to present you with an image of Sweden, which could hopefully strengthen the Swedish brand here in Ireland and further contribute to the Irish- sweden a supplement from MediaPlanet Swedish relationship. It is a question of presenting some examples of Swedish businesses and thus making them more visible to their potential customers and partners here in Ireland. It is also a question of presenting Project Manager: Darren Clarke Sweden to the Irish individual, he/she who most certainly would be attracted by Sweden if, or rather, when Design / Prepress: David Franklin he/she pays our country a visit. Text: BeCreative Print: The Irish Independent In Ireland Swedish companies and brands are all around you in your daily life. They cerate jobs, investments Cover image of Djurgården, Stockholm by R Ryan. Copyright and trade. Even though you might not be fully aware of it you already have had the Swedish Experience Stockholm Visitors Board by dressing smart with H&M; cleaning your house with Electrolux; driving safely to work in your Volvo or Saab; chatting with colleagues and friends with your Sony Ericsson; travelling to Holyhead or Stranraer with Stena Line; eating healthy bread with Polarbröd; feeling safe at home with Securitas; travelling the world with SAS, and hopefully soon….decorate your house with IKEA. Who knows, you might even have changed from Bulmers to Kopparberg for an evening or two! Moreover as an industrial professional you surely have been in contact with companies such as Atlas Copco, Ericsson, ABB, Boliden Tara Mines, ITT Mediaplanet is the leading European publisher in providing Flygt. Sweden has itself greatly benefited from these businesses. high quality and in-depth analysis on topical industry and market issues, in print, broadcast and online. Sweden is unique as it is the European country with the greatest distance between north and south and could provide you with a highly diversified offering regarding landscapes, culture, activities and so on. We Stockholm • Oslo • Helsinki • London • Zurich • Madrid • hope this will be a teaser to the Swedish Experience, contributing to the Swedish-Irish relationship and that Amsterdam • Berlin • Milan • Dublin • Tallinn • Brussels • we will see you all soon in Sweden, either up north with Santa and his reindeers or down south with Pippi New York • Riga • Geneva • Malmo • Hong Kong • Warsaw Longstocking! For more information on Mediaplanet supplements: Have a pleasant reading! MP Publishing House Ltd, Unit 8 Liberty Corner / Foley Claes Ljungdahl Jesper Öhrn Street Dublin 1, Ireland Ambassador Country Manager T: +353 1 8230230 F: +353 1 8558809 Embassy of Sweden in Ireland Swedish Trade Council in Ireland E: [email protected] W: www.mediaplanet.com

!Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Ireland with member companies:

4 Sweden - a MediaPlanet supplement distributed with the Irish Independent

Energy efficient homes - from Swedish foundations

Swedish home design is known in Ireland primarily for both its distinctive timber- clad exteriors, and minimalist interiors. Combining an all-weather durability with the traditional simple design of furniture and household objects, the Swedish style has become synonymous with our early ideas of modernist living. As the Swedes were embracing the new as far back as the 30s and 40s, here in Ireland, we were still surrounded by Victoriana and chintz, with little thought into developing building styles.

t is against the background of buildings and produce over 600 heating. The Ice-Stick has been underfloor heating, heatpumps, Swedish energy efficiency the Swedish example that we units per annum. utilised in over twelve countries solar panels and building energy measures can play a huge role Iare increasingly looking north throughout Europe to save ratings. With their ground-source in helping Irish householders to to be inspired for both our home A typical home features energy. The heat-pump lowers the heat pump you can lower your save money on their utility bills, and interiors. The latter will be significant insulation in the attic, cost of heating substantially as a energy heating consumption help to reduce carbon emissions, more than catered for when the walls and floor slabs, along with heat exchanger transfers the heat by up to 75% and as they are a but also to comply with the new long-awaited first IKEA store in triple-glazed windows. With directly to your water heating registered SEI installer, a grant Building Energy Rating (BER). the Republic opens in Dublin. environmental concerns just as system. For more information can be availed for residential and Introduced in 2007, the BER The Belfast store, opened earlier important as the construction regarding this innovative product commercial premises. awards a rating to almost every this year, is already seeing brisk itself, creating a sustainable visit www.hotfoot.ie. new home built, ranging from trade from here in the south, to the indoor environment that reduces A1 (most efficient) to G (least extent that it now accepts the euro. the overall consumption of fuel Geothermal heating has also efficient). In January 2009 the For a country that has embraced for heating and lighting is the goal been embraced by the Swedish – BER will apply to all homes and house-building in a major way of the project. possibly having a knock-on effect therefore property owners should over the past few years, those here in Ireland. Pumping coolant commence making the changes who are building homes are also Just as Swedish construction through pipes under the home, the now to prevent reductions in the following Swedish principles, or specialists are focused on creating liquid is heated from the natural value of their buildings. even importing the raw materials energy-efficient homes, Swedish hot water and steam sources The rating takes into account and blueprints for the construction heating equipment manufacturers close to the surface of the earth. such areas of the home as its size, process. are providing the solutions. The pipes connect to the heating windows and doors, ventilation, One unique solution is the Ice- system, providing heat energy to insulation, heating and lighting, One materials manufacturer Stick. Produced by Octopus, regulate the system whenever heat water heating, energy usage, that is now exporting Swedish it is a heating system that uses is required. This system avoids and other associated aspects, to products to a number of European aluminium panels to condense the use of fossil fuels and gas, create an overall picture of how countries is LB Hus (‘hus’ is naturally formed steam in the air and is set to increase substantially efficiently the house processes the Swedish word for ‘house’). into water, to create the energy in Irish homes if the effect of the Swedish energy energy, and the levels of carbon Stockholm Homes in partnership for heating. The water then passes ongoing turmoil in the oil markets “ emitted in the process. As the with LB Hus is now offering a through the system to become continues to have a direct impact efficiency measures BER could, in theory, be used to range of houses in the Irish market frost. The Ice-Stick is installed on homeowners. Irish provider can play a huge make a decision on whether or that can overcome all the current outside, and is reminiscent of a Geothermal Heating Systems Ltd not to buy a new home, it would and future environmental issues. peace of modern sculpture. It can is one of the principle providers role in helping Irish pay to employ Swedish standards LB-Hus is at the fore-front of also control water heating in the of geothermal solutions here. householders to save of construction - in particular, the building industry in Sweden. home. The Irish distributor of this They are the largest Geothermal money on their utility insulation, window glazing, and They have developed the latest in innovative product is Hotfoot, Installer in Leinster specialising in heating - to ensure a BER that is energy efficient and sustainable who specialise in under-floor geothermal drilling, water wells, bills as close to A1 as possible. Följande logotyper fi nns med i dokumentet

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The house of tomorrow . . . Available TODAY • Each house is engineered and fabricated under The fact that most of the construction is factory high B.E.R. : and; it will attract a premium thus controlled factory conditions and computer aided based, with all heavy components pre-manufactured maintaining profitability. Our houses have achieved manufacture leads to less snags. and craned into place, and that the site is a far a provisional Building Energy Rating of A2. • A house is weather-tight usually in one day. This cleaner environment, makes our sites much safer • Energy costs are reduced. It is estimated that means that work can continue “inside” in a very short places to be. the equivalent energy from 300ltrs of heating oil is time no matter what the Irish weather has to offer. • Costs can be controlled far easier. You only deal sufficient for space heating & hot water of a typical • All the major structural components are delivered with a very small number of suppliers. home. ( source: ITFMA conference “Towards Zero at once and on a specified date. This means that • The cost of a finished house compares very well Carbon – The role of Timber Frame 21/5/08 ) you don’t have to spend much of your time chasing with traditional building methods • Our houses have been awarded a European suppliers and people don’t end up standing around:; • We can supply a standard catalogue house or Technical Approval (ETA) which will allow them after-all time is money. we can supply to your own design, be that single to carry CE marking, and are presently awaiting • You can achieve a far faster turn-around on every houses; semi-detached houses, or varied houses in certification from the National Standards Authority project. A typical house can be finished and ready for a development. of Ireland (NSAI). occupation within six weeks of delivery. This allows • You can build a house which exceeds the for more finishes in any given period. requirements of the new and proposed Part L www.stockholmhomes.ie • Less time spent on site not only reduces cost, but regulations today. 3/4 Colbeck Street Waterford Ph: + 051 872061 also reduces the possibility of work place accidents. • You can build a house which can achieve a very Agents Required Nationwide

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Geothermal Heating Systems Ltd – the alternative green energy to oil or gas 6 Sweden - a MediaPlanet supplement distributed with the Irish Independent

Industry, Productivity and Telecommunications - Swedish style

Sweden’s forests have been an important part of its economy for some 800 years

As an egalitarian society, the freedom of expression and communication has always been important to Swedish people. Today, this freedom needs to be adapted to accommodate the immense changes imposed by telecommuni- cations. More than just the phone, or even email, today’s electronic com- munications are increasingly mobile, with data traffic in particular expanding massively each year.

As the first major telecommuni- mobile broadband services, help- tomotive companies. Unlike ing on heavy-duty vehicles, the it is probably likely that the pa- cations market in Europe to be ing to extend communications its neighbours (and unlike most company was founded in 1891. per on which this supplement deregulated in 1993, Sweden’s into hitherto unreachable areas, other countries of similar popu- Today, it also produces vehicles has been printed is derived from companies have been operating such as trains, vehicles and other lation size), Sweden has a long that have a limited impact on the Swedish wood. in such conditions for a lot longer areas not previously served by history of car manufacture. One environment, with a variety of than other industry players. With broadband. of the foremost companies to trucks, buses and coaches. It also Biotechnology is a major indus- a high level of broadband penetra- export its vehicles is, of course, manufactures engines for use in trial field in Sweden. One of tion, it is usually taken for granted TeliaSonera (known as Telia in Volvo. Founded in 1924, Volvo’s boats and industrial machinery. Europe’s principle locations for that such facilities will be avail- Sweden - Sonera is the name of first cars were designed for the research and development, Swed- able in most parts of the country. its Finnish merger partner) is the Swedish market - cold winters One of the world’s major produc- ish leaders include AstraZeneca, main mobile provider in Swe- and bumpy roads. It is this ini- ers of public transport vehicles, Pharmacia and Nobel Biocare. Ericsson is one of Sweden’s lead- den, with significant presences tial marketing idea that has led on Scania has been manufacturing ing players in the international in Norway, Finland, Denmark to establishing Volvo’s reputation ethanol-fuelled buses for sale to Many commentators have said communications area. With an and further afield. Although, like for producing sturdy and safe ve- Swedish authorities since 1989 - that Sweden has, and continues established research and develop- Ireland’s eircom, Telia started life hicles. well before such issues were be- to punch way above its perceived ment facility in Athlone, alongside as the state telephone company, it ing thought about elsewhere. It is weight in industry. This may be offices in Dublin, the company successfully navigated the gov- Today, Volvo is, perhaps unsur- now selling ethanol buses as far true in some respects, but it is has been operating in Ireland for ernment sell-off in 1993 to be- prisingly, concerned with the en- away as Brazil, China and Austra- clear that Swedish companies some time. Known for its mobile come the biggest telecommunica- vironmental impact of motoring. lia, helping to reduce significant- have always strived to put them- communications products in part- tions provider in Scandinavia. Last year, it demonstrated trucks ly carbon emissions. It recently selves at the front of whatever nership with Sony, Ericsson also that do not produce any carbon showcased ethanol trucks, roll- field in which they were operat- provides broadband and multime- Telia has now become attrac- emissions, in addition to embark- ing out the same carbon-reducing ing. Whether this is as a result of dia services, handing 40 percent tive to other companies, and at ing on a programme of creating technology for industrial trans- its history (it is almost a cliché to of the world’s mobile data traffic the time of writing, is currently carbon-neutral manufacturing portation use. say, but from the time of the Vi- from the ten biggest operators. dealing with interest from France plants. Its facility in Ghent in kings, Sweden has always been Telecom (its cash bid of US$40.7 Belgium is already neutral, with Sweden’s natural resources have an influential voice in northern In Ireland, the company now billion was rejected as too low) as its truck plant in Tuve in Sweden also helped to push productivity Europe), as a result – or despite provides the infrastructure for well as Norway’s Telenor. set to follow. forward. Its forests have been - of its social policies, or purely mobile operators to provide 3G an important part of the Swed- for an entrepreneurial spirit, the services, such as online video, The same effort that has driven Another Swedish automotive ish economy for some 800 years, Swedish model continues to in- music and downloads to mobile Sweden’s telecommunications manufacturer that has expanded with wood and paper its principle spire and promote growth every- devices. This remit also includes industry has also driven its au- across the world is Scania. Focus- products, particularly for export; where.

8 Sweden - a MediaPlanet supplement distributed with the Irish Independent Sweden - At the Forefront of Innovation and Efficiency

weden has always been re- use in construction, mining and other ar- been around, the founder of Electrolux, ness & Leisure traveller. Today, SAS nowned for its culture of inno- eas. Items include compressed air tools, Axel Wenner-Gren, was actually the first operate 25 nonstops flights a week from vation. Punching well above its drills, grinders, demolition tools, under- person to develop the idea for the modern Dublin to Stockholm, Copenhagen and Sweight in terms of its population ground vehicles and road construction vacuum cleaner. Adapting a cumbersome Oslo, offering a comprehensive schedule size compared to other countries, Swedish equipment. American product that he saw on sale in and network. SAS is also the only airline companies and brands are renowned all Vienna in 1908, he developed the product to operate a three class cabin onboard its over the world, and, for the most part, are Such tools are designed for use in high- to be lighter and cheaper. He was also European fleet (Business - Econony Ex- names that are associated with the biggest pressure situations, where accuracy, ef- responsible for the introduction of door- tra - Economy) tailoring products for the brand of all – Sweden itself. ficiency, and safety are all paramount. to-door vacuum cleaner sales - going into needs of its customers. With little scope for error, such tools need the home to show how a vacuum cleaner When consumers think of Sweden, to be able to do the job first time. Based could make a difference - a concept that It would be very much amiss to discuss thoughts that could invariably come to in Stockholm, Atlas Copco has estab- has probably disappeared here, but was Swedish successes in innovation and ef- mind are those of reliability, safety, pre- lished itself worldwide is one of the lead- revolutionary at the time. ficiency without mentioning what is possi- cision, and above all, efficiency and in- ing equipment manufacturers. Having bly the most well known company to ever novation. Leading the fields in so many already grown throughout Europe and Today, Electrolux is one of the world’s come out of the country. The yellow and different areas, Swedish companies have North America, the company is obviously leading domestic appliance manufactur- blue logo of IKEA can be found all over come to represent the best; a bit of a gen- working in China, in addition to the ever- ers, making everything from dishwashers, the world (including, finally, in Dublin eralisation, perhaps, but few other coun- expanding Indian market. Angola and to espresso machines, wine coolers, and, from next year) and has become shorthand tries would arguably provoke similar posi- Bangladesh are two other, diverse, mar- yes, vacuum cleaners. Last year, its net for good-quality furniture and household tive reactions for their export output. kets in which the company has started to sales amounted to around €11.28 billion. products, for a fraction of the price avail- operate. able elsewhere. Atlas Copco is a Swedish manufacturer of Another efficient company is ‘Scandina- industrial productivity solutions. Founded One Swedish company that may be more vian Airlines, who have been flying into Started by Ingvar Kamprad at the over 130 years ago, the company makes familiar to ordinary consumers is Elec- Dublin since 1962 and have built up a precocious age of 17, IKEA started off and sells specialist technical products for trolux. A brand that has seemingly always strong quality brand with the Irish Busi- Continued on next page »

Tara Mines – Europe’s Largest Zinc Mine

Boliden Tara Mines Limited, Europe’s largest zinc mine, celebrated 30 years in production in June 2007. Since 1977 Tara Mines, situated close to Navan, Co. Meath has mined over 68 million tonnes of ore and has produced concentrates containing over five million tonnes of zinc metal and over one million tonnes of lead metal.

Tara Exploration and Development Company was formed in Canada in 1953 and they discovered the largest zinc and lead deposit in Europe in 1970: a major breakthrough Management Standard in 2007 and the OHSAS 18001 Safety Management Standard in the world mining industry. Development of the mine began in 1973 and production in 2008. commenced in June 1977. There are currently 670 direct employees at Tara Mines, with a significant number In January 2004 Tara Mines became part of the Swedish company Boliden AB, a of contractors also employed on site, producing 2.7 million tonnes of ore per annum. leading European metals company whose core competence is in the fields of With major investments in exploration, equipment and technology Tara Mines will exploration, mining, smelting and recycling. Boliden’s main metals are zinc and continue to be a very important industry nationally and locally for many years into copper. Other important metals extracted and refined include lead, gold and silver. The the future.

operations are located in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Ireland, and are conducted in three Business Areas: Market, Smelters and Mines. The total number of Boliden employees is approximately 4,500 and the turnover amounts to approximately EUR 3.6 billion annually.

In 2007 Boliden Tara Mines Limited was awarded the Sustainable Energy Ireland

Award for an Energy Efficient Project in a Large Enterprise, and in 2008 Tara will receive the IS 393 Energy Management Certification. The National Standards Authority “Going to great depths to generate growth”

of Ireland certified Boliden Tara Mines Limited under the ISO 14001 Environmental Boliden Tara Mines Limited Knockumber, Navan, Co. Meath. Sweden - a MediaPlanet supplement distributed with the Irish Independent 9

Sweden has used both its reputation and disregard of convention to build on its successes “

«Continued from previous page developers. Open-source software allows users and other parties to get into the ‘foundations’ of life in 1943 selling minor household goods at a software product to see how it works, and how discounted prices. Five years later, he started it can be improved upon. Allowing such access to sell furniture, produced locally, using local has helped MySQL to stay at the forefront of materials. Primarily a mail-order business, it providing reliable solutions to companies such was not until 1958 that the first IKEA store was as Google, Nokia and YouTube. opened, with a 6,700 square metre premises. From there on, with a policy of employing the best qualities of Scandinavian design, combined These four examples of Swedish companies with the notion of making design available to operating in quite different areas shows, everyone, regardless of their economic status, nevertheless, just how far ‘brand Sweden’ goes IKEA has positioned itself into being one of the in terms of demonstrating the reliability and biggest exponents of ‘brand Sweden’ - desirability efficiency of a company. Whilst plenty of other and affordability are the main ideas on which countries can also boast a similar diversity of IKEA continues to trade to huge success. business, Sweden has actively used both its reputation and disregard of convention to build Such egalitarian principles are perhaps one of on its successes. Indeed, it is probably the fact the inspirations for the formation of Swedish that a lack of what non-Swedes would regard company MySQL in 1995. Having started to as convention is probably quite conventional trade just as the dot.com bubble was starting in Sweden. As anyone in business recognises, to expand (to unsustainable bursting point), the adaptability and openness to change is vital to company was recently acquired with American ensure future success and growth. The four corporation Sun Microsystems in a deal valued at examples here, like countless other established around US$1 billion. Developing and licensing Swedish companies, have all demonstrated such the use of ‘open-source’ software, MySQL is flexibility, which has allowed them to position regarded as one of the leading computer software themselves at the top of their respected fields.

why Atlas Copco is continuously striving to arrive at our promises. better and more efficient solutions. We strive to be a good and reliable corporate citizen, Innovative breakthroughs are a means of staying ahead observing the spirit as well as the letter of the laws of the of the competition and maximizing performance in the countries in which we operate. long run. We invest more in research and development Atlas Copco’s core values express what we stand for, than any of our competitors. Continuous improvements what we think it takes to be able to serve our customers in manufacturing products, marketing, organization, and effectively and to reach our vision to become and remain business flows enable us to provide customers with better First in Mind—First in Choice ®. services. We develop, manufacture, market, distribute, and service oil-free and oil-injected stationary air compressors, tlas Copco is proud to be the largest supplier of portable air compressors, gas and process compressors, Acompressed air products to industry in Ireland with a turbo expanders, electric power generators, air treatment dedicated team of 55 staff. Established in Dublin in 1969, equipment (such as compressed air dryers, coolers, and we have recently opened new customer centres in Cork filters) and air management systems. The range also and Lisburn ensuring that our global business continues features models that include the latest energy optimization to be supported by local knowledge and local service. By technology with Variable Speed Drive (VSD), which investing in countrywide bases Atlas Copco Ireland aims can provide energy savings of up to 35%. Portable air to provide our customers with the best of care and the compressors constitute an important power source for fastest response to their needs. machines and tools used mainly in the building and Atlas Copco’s portfolio of world-class customers requires construction sector but also in other industries. a world-class supplier with comprehensive and in-depth We also offer a broad and diversified service portfolio knowledge about customer applications as well as about to ensure total customer satisfaction. The portfolio from left: Darren Keogh, Aircosse Business Line Manager; Joe future trends. To learn more about current and new consists of service and repair, preventive maintenance, Newman, Oil-Free Air Business Line Manager; Andrew Walker, customer applications Atlas Copco engineers spend time consumables, and spare parts. For certain applications we General Manager; Declan Fennell, Aftermarket Business Line at customer sites on a regular basis to better understand also offer testing and monitoring equipment. Manager; Tom Dowling, Industrial Air Business Line Manager; the working environment of various target industries. Peter Webb Financial Controller. To satisfy the specific need of each customer, knowledge Atlas Copco Values and service is as important as the product itself. A significant attribute of Atlas Copco is our ability to listen and to understand the diverse needs of our customers and Atlas Copco Ireland Atlas Copco Products and Innovation other target groups coupled with our capacity to create Products are developed from core technologies to new and better solutions. Phone (Dublin): (01)4505978 Fax: (01)4567686 improve customers’ productivity and reduce their energy We are fully committed to our customers’ business and Phone (Co Cork): (021)4355022 Fax: (021)4354812 consumption. Atlas Copco has a strong reputation for totally engaged in each and every project we undertake Phone (Co Antrim): (048)92606400 Fax:(048)92606404 innovation and works at the cutting edge of technology, together. We believe in lasting relationships. That is which is essential for a market leader. We believe that one of the reasons why we attach such importance to there is always a better way of doing things. That explains consistently delivering high-quality products and keeping www.atlascopco.ie 10 Sweden - a MediaPlanet supplement distributed with the Irish Independent

photo of The Öresund Bridge by Martin Nyman, courtesy of www.imagebank.sweden.se . Photos of Malmö above by Leif Johansson Business and Pleasure in Malmö A city of diversity, development and possibilities

Øresund – two countries, one region Malmö Airport. Both are just 30 minutes and will of course also host conferences ing and meetings. The Turning Torso rep- The Øresund Region with Malmö com- away from Malmö city centre. When the and corporate events. resents a human body in a twisting motion prises of the southernmost part of Sweden Citytunnel underground system is com- In April 2009 Malmö’s new football and and was designed by the architect Santiago and greater Copenhagen in Denmark. This pleted in 2011, the journey to Copenhagen event arena, the Swedbank Stadium, will Calatrava, with operations in Zurich, Paris, area with a population of 3.6 million is one Airport will be even shorter. be ready for action. Several new hotels are Valencia and New York. of Europe’s most vibrant regions and has to be built, giving the City a total hotel ca- everything companies need to invest and A sustainable, dynamic and vibrant city pacity of about 4,000 rooms within just a The Western Harbour enhances Malmö’s grow, including a very dynamic and diver- The region’s 14 universities offer one of few years. claim as the City of Tomorrow and the lo- sified business structure. the best-educated populations and a unique Today, Malmö has the Hilton, Ramada and cation offers a living and working environ- and growing pool of skills. Malmö is a mul- Clarion hotels and during 2009, Malmö ment by the sea. This new city district at- The region is home to the largest concen- ticultural city in the true sense of the word and Sweden will be welcoming their first tracts people with its exciting architecture, tration of highly educated people in North- – with representatives from 169 countries Mariott hotel to central Malmö with 115 lovely beach promenades, green spaces ern Europe. It is liberally sprinkled with speaking over 100 languages. Malmö has a rooms and conference facilities. and a fabulous view over Øresund. world-class innovative environments and vision of being a sustainable city socially, Right by the Öresund Bridge, Petter boasts a well-developed working relation- economically and ecologically. This will Stordalen, majority owner of Choice Ho- Culture, entertainment and beachlife – ship between industry, higher education be achieved and maintained by consoli- tels is currently proposing to build an ul- within walking distance establishments and authorities. The 14 uni- dating and raising the level of education, tramodern spa and conference facility with The city also offers a large and excellent versities and colleges here are populated strengthening integration and increasing about 250 rooms and conference capacity range of restaurants with food from all cor- by 150,000 students and more than 10,000 the number of employees with a foreign for approx. 750 people. ners of the world, exciting nightclubs and researchers. background. In addition, Malmö’s conference facilities an internationally recognised cultural life. are first-rate as the city offers seven top- The major institutions include Malmö Dra- World-class infrastructure Hotels and new developments – a class conference and exhibition facilities. matic Theatre/Hipp, Malmö Opera, Malmö The infrastructure is competitive and in- booming future Malmö Arena will be able to accommodate Symphony Orchestra, Malmö Art Gallery cludes the Oresund Bridge between Swe- The tourism industry in Malmö is doing very large congresses or meetings and Eu- and the Form/Design Center. The little den and Denmark (the longest combined extremely well, and 2007 was another re- ropaporten’s Congress Centre can host ex- square in malmö, “Lilla Torg” is a pulsat- road and rail bridge in Europe), the ongo- cord year for the hotels. November 2008 hibitions and conferences facilities for over ing meeting place for many people during ing Citytunnel Project and the Northern will see the inauguration of the new Malmö 800 people. the Summer months and has earned recog- Harbour for transportation of goods. Arena, which will be Europe’s most modern nition in Michelin’s Green Guide. Ribers- multi-sports/event stadium, attracting audi- Western Harbour borg is Malmö’s own 2 km long beach – in The region is served by Copenhagen Air- ences of between 2,000 and 15,000 people. The spectacular building Turning Torso is the city centre! port – one of Europe’s largest airports with There will be several bars and restaurants, a landmark in Malmö, standing 190 metres direct flights to all over the world including the largest of which can seat 1,100 guests, tall, and was constructed for living, work- Beat Irish VRT the Swedish way

In Sweden, as in Ireland, there are many things to consider when buying a new car, but increasingly the cost and environmental impact are high on the list. Sweden has long been known as the caring society and environmental concern is part of that culture. As a consequence Sweden’s car manufacturers are amongst the world leaders when it comes to environmental technology.

One technology that is already playing an important role in Sweden is bio- fuels and particularly E85, a mix of 85% bio-ethanol and 15% unleaded petrol. Ireland is also supporting the development of alternative fuels for transport. In last December’s Budget it was announced that from 1st July cars capable of running on E85 would benefit from a €2,500 reduction in Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT).

Swedish company Volvo Cars currently has the most comprehensive range of E85 compatible cars available in the Irish market with their Flexifuel Range.

However if you act quickly, Volvo Flexifuel cars registered before the 1st July this year benefit from a massive 50% VRT rebate, worth between €3,500 and €7,500 depending on the Volvo model chosen.

The pre-July Volvo Flexifuel range starts from just €24,500 (plus delivery and related charges). So if you want to save VRT and make a positive impact on CO2 emissions, a trip to your local Volvo dealer might be a reasonable starting. But be quick if you want to make the greatest savings!!

So if you want to save VRT and make a positive impact on CO2 emissions, a trip to your local Volvo dealer might be a reasonable starting place. 12 Sweden - a MediaPlanet supplement distributed with the Irish Independent

Stepping out in Stockholm

Stockholm has always been of what the city was like in earlier Design has been one of regarded by visitors as one years. Sweden’s biggest exports for of the more fashionable city many years. The arrival of one destinations. With a sense of style Those looking for a romantic particular famous Swedish home to rival Paris, a confidence to rival walk away from the crowds in the furnishings store onto the Irish New York, and a music scene to old town, Södermalm is a quieter market has been anticipated for rival London, what the city lacks area, with a more contemporary years. For something a little more in size, it more than makes up for atmosphere. Plenty of great special and unique, however, with cool. cafés, galleries and shops, at the actually coming to Stockholm is weekends it is also home to Street, required. From everyday home Flight times of just over two hours a market specialising in art, music objects, to clothes, architecture, between Dublin and Stockholm and design. and, of course, furniture, Swedish mean that it is perfect as a weekend designers continue to be at the break destination. A relatively A Swedish institution, Skansen forefront of both fashion and photo top by Hans Bjurling; bottom R Ryan. compact city centre means you is an open-air museum that was practicality. Drottningatan is can do as little or as much as you opened almost 120 years ago. Stockholm’s main shopping area, is, of course, a speciality. The Sweden’s capital is a city of like, without collapsing at the end On the island of Djurgården with lots of side streets offering nightlife in Södermalm attracts contrasts. Modern and tradition, of the day through exhaustion (in the centre of Stockholm), the very best and latest design a hip, young crowd (also for its egalitarian and elite, all come before you can sample the city’s the museum features original products. less-costly drinks), with a relaxed together to form a city that offers nightlife. historical buildings, with authentic bar scene. Östermalm is a bit much to discover for those who Gamla Stan, or the Old Town, is workshops, a bakery, shop, farms Stockholmers love to eat out. more conscious of itself. In any are willing to see beyond the one of the oldest parts of the city. and a zoo. The focus of public Even though there are plenty of case, wherever you go - dress up. conventional. Dating from the 13th century, celebrations for Sweden’s national international restaurants around Visitors will notice during the many of the buildings date from day, Skansen is also host to hugely the city, visitors for the first day that Stockholm is a fashion- the 17th and 18th centuries, and popular outdoor concerts during time should at least try some conscious city, and really goes to For more information, visit offer a uniquely preserved flavour the summer. typically Swedish dishes – fish town at nighttime. www.stockholmtown.com

Swinging your way to There are around 70 “locations to play golf in Skåne, ranging in design, from picturesque links to Skåne more challenging forest courses

If you are a golf enthusiast, Swe- is the southernmost province of one that Swedish golfers have ticipation for each club include Simrishamn on the eastern Baltic den is probably not foremost on Sweden, perhaps best known for enjoyed for years! having practice areas such as a coast (the course includes an your list of possible destinations being the first region encountered driving range, the availability orchard, where players can help when thinking about booking a by those who cross the Öresund There are around 70 locations of a PGA instructor, at least one themselves to apples along the golfing break. Perhaps now is Bridge from Denmark. Unlike to play golf in Skåne, ranging in full-length 18-hole course with way), and Falsterbro, modelled the ideal time to get a little north- the more northerly regions of the design, from picturesque links to a minimum par 70, and English- on the traditional, generally ern exposure into your game, country, Skåne is renowned for more challenging forest courses. speaking staff. harsher courses found in Scot- however. its relatively flat, green pastures, With an excellent transportation land are all worth a visit will test sandy beaches, and more temper- network, every course is within a Other clubs in Skåne that also your handicap. Whilst many would not tend to ate climate than one would nor- 90-minute drive at the most. provide these services include think of Sweden as a golfing mally associate with this part of the Elisefarm golf course, which Perhaps regarded, like Ireland, as destination, it has managed to the world. During the summer, Close to Malmö (with its direct opened in August 2005. The a higher-cost destination, golfing produce some of the profes- there is usually natural light until flight connection to Dublin), course was designed by Martin in Skåne is a lot cheaper, com- sional game’s heavyweight well into the late evening, afford- Bokskogen Golf Club is a Hawtree, of which his fam- pared to better-known locations. players – Annika Sörenstam and ing more time for play. member of the ‘Golf in Skåne’ ily have bee associated with Current offers available include Jesper Parnevik are two of the group organised by the tourist championship courses such as two nights’ accommodation, and most well-known players on An ideal region, therefore, for board. With a limited number of Portmarnock, Royal Birkdale and two rounds of golf for a very the women’s and men’s circuits golf. With more courses than clubs selected to participate, the Lahinch. Rya, near Helsingborg reasonable €220. respectively. any other part of Scandinavia, scheme ensures that visitors can (where games are played with Skåne is probably one of Swe- expect high standards and excel- the Danish coast providing a For more information visit Skåne (pronounced ‘score-ne’) den’s best-kept secrets – albeit lent service. Conditions for par- unique backdrop), Österlen, near www.skane.com THE NEW VOLVO XC60

ICE-STICK Air source Heat Pump

ICE-STICK from HOTFOOT is an air source heat pump which does not require boreholes or other labour intensive and costly preparative works, and is ideal for residential, commercial and industrial heating solutions.

Ice Stick Installed in Wicklow OptiHeat Pipes Hotfoot Pumped Screed over Pipes

This unique air source heating system has been How does it work? developed in Sweden over 30 years by Kurt The ICE-STICK is filled with a liquefied Refrigerant Karlsson, “the father of the heat pump”, and Gas which, at normal pressure, boils at circa – 43˚C. is ideally suited to the Irish climate, since the Even at low temperatures this gas absorbs heat from THE SAFEST AND MOST STUNNING VOLVO EVER majority of the time that heating is required, the air ! “It’s not only the safest Volvo ever. If you low-speed impacts that are common in the weather is cold, wet and windy. Moisture in the air condenses on the aluminium profiles of the ICE-STICK, which receives this latent ask me, it’s also the most stunning. Not a city traffic and traffic tailbacks. heat energy. This may form frost or Ice, hence the bad combination, is it?” says Volvo Cars Key Advantages of ICE-STICK name. This exchange of heat converts the refrigerant over Ground Source / Geothermal Systems liquid to gas, which is transferred to a compressor President and CEO Fredrik Arp. “it’s also “We are the first manufacturer in the world where pressure increases its temperature even more. £ No need for a large site area, the ICE-STICK Transferred to a very efficient heat exchanger, the a Swedish car that is ideal for Ireland” he to offer this type of feature as standard. takes up very little space. gas donates its heat energy to water, after which added. City Safety clearly shows that the new £ No need to dig up your site or bore holes to it liquefies. The water is connected to Underfloor Volvo XC60 is the safest car Volvo has install the system. Heating pipes or Radiators. Volvo’s new crossover vehicle boasts an ever produced” says Fredrik Arp. £ The ICE-STICK does not require a circulation OptiHeat is a unique low temperature water pump which uses bought in energy. pipe system designed to operate with the ICE- exciting mix of two car. Sporting capable £ No bought energy is required to defrost STICK which, because it constantly circulates, can the system. redistribute “free heat” from warmer parts of the XC muscles, highlighted by a strong The new XC60 is being launched with building to otherwise colder parts. £ The simplicity of the design requires athletic body combined with high ground a choice of two engine variants of the no moving parts. clearance and large wheels, while the D5 turbodiesel, producing 185 and 163 £ Through the aluminium profile of the HOTFOOT ICE-STICK, it’s surface radiator provides heat Hotfoot specialise in providing environmentally conscious, flowing lines create the sporty charisma horsepower respectively. All Wheel Drive energy equivalent to around 800 metres of innovative heating solutions for the future. of a coupe. (AWD) is fitted as standard.The new XC60 underground piping. We design, supply and fit the complete system from the £ Most importantly, the ICE-STICK provides will arrive in Irish dealer showrooms in ICE-STICK, to the OptiHeat Pipes, as well as specialist a substantial cash saving on other systems, Pumped Floor Screeds which have high thermal conductivity. A variety of intelligent safety systems are October and Volvo Dealers around Ireland both on installation and running. another important part of the new Volvo are taking orders now for 2009. When the XC60. The major news is City Safety – XC90 was launched in Ireland there was Feel free to give us a call or email us at [email protected] to find out more about our heating systems. a unique system that can help the driver a huge demand and long waiting times avoid or reduce the effects of the type of and the same is expected for the XC60. Kilcoole Industrial Estate tel: + 353 (0)1 287 1172 Kilcoole, Co.Wicklow fax: + 353 (0)1 287 1173 [email protected] www.hotfoot.ie If you like golf, you’ll love Skåne. Book on-line at www.skanegolf.com : Position Skåne © sydpol.com BARSEBÄCK G & CC HOLE 17, PAR 4. PHOTO

GOLF IN SKÅNE

   

Play one of Europe’s best new courses

Stay on the golf course - Golf packages from €145 including full board and greenfee It’s no exaggeration to say that this Swedish region is a golfer’s paradise. From the centre of Skåne, you have more than 70 courses to choose from within an hour. Picking your favourite is as hard as choosing dishes from a Ph: +46 (0) 413 330 70 Skåne smorgasbord. It’s a matter of personal taste. www.elisefarm.se Visit www.skane.com 14 Sweden - a MediaPlanet supplement distributed with the Irish Independent

Facts and Figures - what you’ll find in Gothenburg:

• A concert hall with its own national symphony orchestra • A leading museum for fashion, design and Gothenburg decorative arts • An amusement park, – the most visited tourist attraction in Sweden • An annual Film Festival, the largest public festival of its kind in Scandinavia • A football team, IFK Gothenburg, reigning national The City of 1,000 Islands champions • 61,000 students and two universities • The largest port in Scandinavia • 1,000 islands

weden’s second city is a the largest in Scandinavia. The nearby acclaimed Way out West festival in the lively city on the west coast archipelago is well worth an excursion. central city park , now in with a pleasant atmosphere. A tram ride for half an hour and then its second year, is on during the 8-9 of SIt is a green city with many the passenger ferry, brings you to the August. gardens and parks – almost 175 square picturesque islands of Brännö, Styrsö, metres of green space per citizen. It Vrångö or any of the other inhabited Gothenburg is one of Europe’s top is a city that is great for shopping and islands. culinary destinations. The location culinary experiences, with a stunning – between coast and countryside – archipelago nearby. Gothenburg, with its half a million ensures a plentiful supply of fresh fish inhabitants, is a city known for its and shellfish. Seafood grows slower in Gothenburg has a compact city centre friendly and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the cold waters of the North Sea, a key with most sights as well as hotels easy to get around in and everybody component of quality. Raw ingredients within walking distance. There are speaks English. There are lots of cafés that are grown organically and sourced wide boulevards with well-kept as well as a lively music scene, mainly locally contribute to the complete flower arrangements and extensive thanks to the large student population. dining experience. Typical Swedish gardens and parks. This summer sees When it comes to shopping there is a cuisine for the 21st century is a fusion one of Northern Europe’s greatest mixture of large central indoor malls of traditional Nordic cooking combined garden exhibitions taking place in and numerous independent fashion with new flavours and ideas from all the city, Gardens of Gothenburg. shops run by young local designers, over the world. The city currently The four participating parks are all within the old moat and in the Haga old boasts five Michelin-starred restaurants within easy reach in the city centre, town. plus a large number of great eateries. the Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen), Liseberg Park The main boulevard Avenyn, is Gothenburg is located equally close and the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, Sweden’s most restaurant-packed to the Scandinavian capital cities of Above: two views of the main boulevard Avenyn, a while and Gardens is street. There are twelve nightclubs Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo. The popular meeting spot. located some ten kilometres south. in this district alone, plus loads of surroundings offer nature experiences restaurants, pubs and bars. The city is along the rocky coastline up north with The city’s maritime influence is always also a popular host to major events, its picturesque fishing villages, the present. Along the old moat and canals ranging from sports to concerts, and in wilderness with forests and lakes to the you can go on a sightseeing trip by the summer there are several open-air north east, and the cultural- and farmers boat and in the busy harbour, which is music festivals taking place. The much land to the east.

A selection of major events in • August 1–3 World Slalom Skateboard Championships – in Slottsskogen Gothenburg summer 2008 city Park • August 8–9 • June 27–28 Way Out West – music festival in Slottsskogen city Park Metaltown – music festival in the central harbour • August 12–17 • June 28–September 28 City Culture Festival, with free admission to hundreds of Gardens of Gothenburg exhibition in four leading parks concerts and events • June 30–July 6 • August 15–24 Match Cup Sweden – International sailing at Marstrand, Dance and Theatre Festival – contemporary performing island just north of the city arts • July 1–6 • August 18 – 21 – leading youth handball tournament Göteborg Masters – Ladies European Tour, at Lycke golf • July 4–5 course on the coast just north of the city Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Open-air concert at Stadium Gothenburg visitors and events guide, with online Above: The central harbour, featuring the • July 13–19 booking of hotels etc: , is popular for a stroll. – leading youth football tournament www.goteborg.com Photos by Göran Assner